The Incomparable Anthony Williams
November 21, 2010
By Katrice
For the first time since I can remember, I was nervous as I prepared to do an interview. I had my questions ready and was planning to be brief in my chat with designer Anthony Williams of Project Runway fame. I felt, from watching him in the competition, that I already knew him ... or even his mother for that matter. (You know, how it can seem as if you literally know a person's upbringing from the way that they interact with others?) But, truth is, I was expecting him to be less of that Anthony and more the celebrity Anthony by now. Not so. The fame has somehow made him even more humble.
I sat down with Anthony for a few moments before he hosted the Holiday Fashion Event (mini runway show) at Macy's - North Point Mall yesterday, and he brought me up to speed on his life sense the competition.
During your introductory interview for Project Runway, you said your ultimate goal was to be one of the designers for Miss USA and Miss Universe. Is that still the top for you?
No, actually, it's not. And it wasn't my ultimate ... like the height of Anthony's career would be completed. It was a matter of that being something I looked forward to. But, I've been speaking to Esther who's the director of talent development for the Miss Universe Organization. They sought me out after hearing that comment on television; but I realize that pageantry is not my world. I enjoy it and I will always continue to support the Miss USA organization. But, I don't think that pageantry is my niche.
Who's your muse?
Recently, Jennifer Hudson has become my muse. I like her because I am also in transition losing weight. I have lost about 15 lbs. and that's something I'm very proud of. I think that of all the artists that are being catapulted into the entertainment industry, she is very the opposite. We have all these people who are so nouveau riche but I believe she has remained humble and she looks like a lady at all times. And she's a great example of -- if you come from nothing and have the opportunity to embark upon greatness, this is what you should look like.
What is your uniform for this winter? What will you be living in?
I will always have on my Cole Haan high boots. I have to have my boots. Also this bag that I just created that my assistant is trying to steal. I think that for men and women, most of us leave our homes at the beginning of the morning and we don't get home until the end of the day. For instance, the other day, I went to lunch at Neiman's with my manager ... left there and went to buy running shoes ... left there and went to boot camp; I left boot camp and went to get a hair cut ... This bag carried me through all those things. And I always have to have a great dark denim fitted jean with a little stretch, and a crisp white shirt.
What piece of clothing or accessory makes you instantly giddy?
A gown. A gown gets me going. Or more importantly, someone who looks amazing and it seems effortless.
What's next for you?
I served as fashion consultant for the VH1 pilot "Single Ladies," which filmed here in Atlanta. And I recently found out that it's been picked up. I just did a chemistry test for a pilot in Los Angeles for E!, so we'll see how that works out. I'm also working with a branding manager right now. And actually, Jennifer Hudson doesn't know it, but the last time I was in New York, I bought fabric ... so for the holiday season, I'm making her a gown. I did the same thing for Nicole Ari Parker, and she didn't even know I was alive.
But, I made her a gown and she wore it. So, we'll see if I have the same luck.
Anthonyisms:
"Honey, I'm not a seamstress. I'm a designer."
"You have to proactive about your own destiny. We live in a time where you've got to take chances. People talk about stepping out on faith. But, if you're not completely uncomfortable, you're not completely in your faith yet."
"If we can see the little bone in your wrist, you don't have on enough accessories. If you're not making noise everywhere you go, you're not doing a good job."
9 comments
I'm glad to hear that he is humble and referred to Jennifer Hudson as his muse, who seems so down to earth before and after her tragedy. Great picture of you two! :]
ReplyDeleteHe is! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I enjoy seeing websites that understand the value of providing a prime resource for free. I truly loved reading your post. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteU r awesome! U expose to so many things and I love the fact that it is an "enjoyable" read. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you, I have recently been searching for information about this topic for ages and yours is the best I have discovered so far.
ReplyDeleteI feel late. I'm trying to catch up on all the posts I've missed. I absolutely enjoyed him in Project Runway, so this was great!
ReplyDeleteGreat site. A lot of useful information here. I’m sending it to some friends!
ReplyDeleteIf you could e-mail me with a few suggestions on just how you made your blog look this excellent, I would be grateful.
ReplyDeletePretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
ReplyDelete